After a long day at the job, there is nothing as relaxing as catching your favorite show, playing on your games console, or streaming a TV show from your laptop. Kicking back on your couch, feet up and popcorn ready. Just as you are about to press the play button, you remember that you had previously had to swap your HDMI cables around and the one you want isn’t even plugged in yet!
Due to the multiplicity of devices that can handle the HD format, you may find yourself running out of HDMI inputs and a HDMI switch/splitter is essentially what you need. It allows the user to split one HDMI source signal to many outputs. In other words, a HDMI splitter is able to send multimedia video and audio signal to several devices.
Why do I need a HDMI Splitter?
Manufacturers of many LCD, LED and HD plasma TVs install only one or two HDMI ports per unit. Hence it only allows one device with an HDMI output to be connected to a one other devices. However you don’t have to be troubled by this limitation and with the help of an HDMI splitter you can have all your devices attached to a single input and not have to worry about unplugging and swapping cables again.
It’s also worth noting that this will also help the life of your sockets and cables as the constant removal and input of HDMI plugs can effect the life of the sockets and can cause damage which could leave you with zero HDMI inputs and where would you be then?
Now you can have your Xbox, PS4, BluRay, DVD, laptop, and more plugged into your current TV.
Which is the best HDMI splitter for me?
When you go looking for a HDMI splitter, you will be astonished by the plethora of options available in the market. It is not easy to ascertain the optimal device for your needs especially if you have no previous knowledge on Splitters. However, it is quite easy to have what you need.
As in purchase of any product, it is largely depends on your preferences. For starters there are many HDMI port splitters with different labels. There are also Passive and Active HDMI distribution splitters which means they either need an external power source and need to be plugged into your mains electricity or they are powered simply by the power from your HDMI port. In reference to labels, 1:2 means the HDMI can provide 2 way output and 1 input. 1:3 provides 3 way output and 1 input. If you have a small setup at home it would be better to get the latter as opposed to the former.
There are compatibility issues especially in regards to sound and HD frame rates. It is advisable to check the compatibility with Full HD 1080p, 1080i and BluRay formats. This is really to ensure you don’t miss out on the digital clarity the format offers.